If you thought 24 without Jack Bauer could never work, you're not alone - actor Corey Hawkins, who plays the show's new lead Eric Carter, had those same concerns.

Hawkins told Digital Spy that he was "a sceptic" and "nervous" about replacing Kiefer Sutherland on the FOX series.

"They offered me this role – and I was a huge fan of Kiefer's and I was like, 'Oh my God, I don't know...'"

But in the end, Hawkins said, the opportunity was too good to pass up: "I thought about what it meant, to be a young black brother on television in America on a major network, with a huge franchise. I didn't see that growing up, that's huge. So I had to say yes to it and see where it takes me."

"I remember the first day he was there – I walked up to his dressing room and I knocked on his door like a little school-kid," laughed Hawkins. "I mean, I'm standing on a set that's... it's my set!

"I've been shooting for a few months, I know all the crew, everybody knows me and still, out of respect, I kind've tip-toe up to Carlos's trailer like he can hear me coming... I mean it was just the silliest thing!

"He immediately was approachable – we just hit off and it was great. I can't say much about what he does on the show but it was just really cool to have him back. When you're a fan of somebody for that long, to be working side-by-side on-set, it's a magical kind of thing. And he brings it, y'know? He is just amazing to watch, so it was inspiring."